Revamped Sina Weibo set to come with Google+ style sharing

Chinese mega social network Sina Weibo is set for a major revamp that will see it incorporate Google+ style sharing.

Chinese blog Techweb claims to have exclusive screenshots (translate) of the new version of the social network. The release, called “Version 5” was first outed as existing by Sina CEO Charles Chao during the company’s earnings call last week.

One of the most obvious features from the screenshots is a revamped profile page that incorporates elements of Facebook and Google+.

You can also now choose who to share things with, as you can on Google+, by groups including “colleagues” and “classmates”.

As The Next Web notes however, the biggest challenge for Sina Weibo is to find a way of monetising. That means it’ll have to make the platform as attractive to advertisers as possible.

This has been a constant battle for one of China’s most high-profile social networks. Its most recent bid at money-making involved launching a social credit card.

The new version of Sina Weibo will reportedly launch some time in the third financial quarter of 2012.

Author | Nur Bremmen: Staff reporter

Nur is an enigma with a passion for creating words. He recently entered a love affair with technology and chorizo sausages. He travels a lot -- you catch him, if you can, at a Silicon Cape event every now and again. More